On paper, the Canadiens' defense isn't bad.
Kent Hughes acquired Noah Dobson last summer to bolster the top 4, and so far it's working. Kayden Guhle's injury hurts on some levels (as it should), but overall it's not a disaster because the other guys were able to step up.
But looking at the whole picture, we can say that the departure of David Savard left its mark. and Dany Dubé(98.5 FM) is right: The Habs need to replace him on the blue line.
Alexandre Carrier was expected to take a step forward in the Canadiens' defensive unit. We expected him to take on a bigger role with Savard gone, but the problem is simple: Carrier hasn't been playing the best hockey of his career since the start of the campaign.
He's not as strong as he was last year, and according to Dany Dube, the Habs need to find a guy like Savard if they want to make any progress in the playoffs.
Canadiens 2025-2026 | “This is the most talented team at such a young age” – Denis Dubé https://t.co/dvs58jDmZ9
– 98.5 Sports (@985Sports) January 7, 2026
The Habs don't have much to lose right now.
The youth are excellent (especially the 2nd line) and those who have come in like Oliver Kapanen, Ivan Demidov and Zachary Bolduc are more productive than those who left last summer (like Armia and Dvorak).
Denis Dube spoke about this recently on Mario Langlois show.
This means Martin St. Louis has fewer holes on offense than before. But we also understand that the defense hasn't necessarily gotten any better since Savard left (even though Dobson did) because the Quebecers were such a big part of Montreal.
That being said, I wonder how much Kayden Guhle will be able to fill that chair when he returns to the game. After all, he has Savard's qualities: Goulet is responsible on defense, he's capable of playing big minutes, he can be used on the power play… and he's capable of playing all 200 feet of ice.
Because we have to take into account the absence of Goulet, who has not played since October 16th. As Dany Dubé suggests, he could be the missing piece in the Habs defense…
After a while
– Oh.
Kings F's Corey Perry has returned home to deal with a family member's illness which has forced him out of the squad.
– Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) January 7, 2026
– Interesting.
David Pagnotta: What we're starting to hear about Luke Schenn; Last night was his 1100th game for the Jets, I'm curious, I don't know if this will be his last game for the Jets, but I don't know how much runway there is left if everything stays the way it is – DFO Rundown (1/7)
– NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) January 7, 2026
– Your turn!
Gus is in the lineup! pic.twitter.com/nvwVZo0aui
– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 7, 2026
– Good reading.
He's brutal in the outfield, and the Mets let Pete Alonso go. https://t.co/GENA55lIbx
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) January 7, 2026
